Charnwood Borough Council - Leading in Leicestershire

DOG Fouling is getting the red card as Charnwood’s Street Wardens up patrols to crack down on irresponsible dog owners this week.

Following feedback from residents, the increased patrols will start in Quorn and Birstall on Monday (5 March).

Cllr Sandie Gough, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “The Street Wardens will be patrolling when the dog walkers are traditionally out and about and will be fining the irresponsible minority if they don’t clean up after their animals. This is not about making money, it is about a cleaner, greener Borough and ensuring the health of residents as dog mess can have many bacteria some of which can cause blindness.”

The Street Wardens in full uniform will be patrolling areas where residents have reported dog mess problems and will also be handing out information booklets and posters to local shop keepers and community areas in an effort to raise awareness about the unpleasant and potentially harmful affects of dog mess.

Cllr Gough, added: “Letting your dog foul in a public area and not cleaning up after it is an ‘enviro-crime’ and the issue is more than just how an area looks – dog mess is a health hazard and people who don’t take responsibility should know they are causing others, specifically children, a potentially major risk.”

It is estimated that the UK dog population is between 6.5 and 7.4 million, producing 1,000 tonnes of excrement every day. Research from ENCAMS profiles a ‘dog fouler’ or somebody who doesn’t clean up after their animals as being:

• More likely to be male than female.
• Found across all age ranges and social economic groups – with a slight rise in those aged between 18 and 24.
• The ‘culprits’ only admit when pressed and the majority believe they’ll never be caught if they allow their dog to foul.

Cllr Gough commented: “This will send a very clear message to those people who think they won’t get caught – we will catch you and we will fine you.”